Jaw members, end effector assemblies, and ultrasonic surgical instruments including the same

ABSTRACT

A jaw member, end effector assembly including the jaw member and an ultrasonic blade, and an ultrasonic surgical instrument including the end effector assembly are provided. The jaw member includes a structural body and a jaw liner. The structural body includes a pair of proximal flanges and an elongated distal portion extending distally from the proximal flanges. The elongated distal portion includes spaced-apart side rails defining an elongated opening therebetween and interconnected at distal ends thereof via a distal cap. The jaw liner is engaged within the elongated opening and includes a base and first and second arms extending from the base. Each arm defines an inwardly-angled tissue contacting surface. The jaw liner defines a jaw liner compliance feature extending longitudinally therealong between the inwardly-angled tissue-contacting surfaces of the first and second arms to facilitate outward deflection of the first and second arms relative to one another.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 62/823,762 filed Mar. 26, 2019, the entiredisclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to surgical instruments and, moreparticularly, to jaw members, end effector assemblies, and ultrasonicsurgical instruments including the same.

Background of Related Art

Ultrasonic surgical instruments utilize ultrasonic energy, i.e.,ultrasonic vibrations, to treat tissue. More specifically, ultrasonicsurgical instruments utilize mechanical vibration energy transmitted atultrasonic frequencies to coagulate, cauterize, fuse, seal, cut,desiccate, fulgurate, or otherwise treat tissue.

Typically, an ultrasonic surgical instrument is configured to transmitultrasonic energy produced by a generator and transducer assembly alonga waveguide to an end effector that is spaced-apart from the generatorand transducer assembly. With respect to cordless ultrasonicinstruments, for example, a portable power source, e.g., a battery, andthe generator and transducer assembly are mounted on the handheldinstrument itself, while the waveguide interconnects the generator andtransducer assembly and the end effector. Wired ultrasonic instrumentsoperate in similar fashion except that, rather than having the generatorand power source mounted on the handheld instrument itself, the handheldinstrument is configured to connect to a standalone power supply and/orgenerator via a wired connection.

SUMMARY

As used herein, the term “distal” refers to the portion that is beingdescribed which is further from a user, while the term “proximal” refersto the portion that is being described which is closer to a user.Further, to the extent consistent any or all of the aspects detailedherein may be used in conjunction with any or all of the other aspectsdetailed herein.

In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, a jaw memberconfigured for use with an ultrasonic surgical instrument is providedincluding a structural body and a jaw liner. The structural bodyincludes a pair of proximal flanges and an elongated distal portionextending distally from the pair of proximal flanges. The elongateddistal portion includes first and second spaced-apart side railsdefining an elongated opening therebetween and interconnected at distalends thereof via a distal cap. The jaw liner is engaged within theelongated opening and includes a base and first and second armsextending from the base. Each arm defines an inwardly-angled tissuecontacting surface. The jaw liner defines a jaw liner compliance featureextending longitudinally therealong between the inwardly-angledtissue-contacting surfaces of the first and second arms to facilitateoutward deflection of the first and second arms relative to one another.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, the jaw liner compliance featureis an elongated channel.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the first and secondspaced-apart side rails define first and second structural bodycompliance features configured to facilitate outward deflection of thefirst and second spaced-apart side rails relative to one another, thuspermitting further outward deflection of the first and second arms ofthe jaw liner relative to one another.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the first and secondstructural body compliance features are cut-outs defined within thefirst and second spaced-apart side rails towards proximal ends thereof.

In still another aspect of the present disclosure, the distal cap of thestructural body defines a third structural body compliance featureconfigured to facilitate outward deflection of the first and secondspaced-apart side rails relative to one another, thus permitting furtheroutward deflection of the first and second arms of the jaw linerrelative to one another.

In still yet another aspect of the present disclosure, each of theinwardly-angled tissue contacting surfaces of the jaw liner includes aplurality of transversely spaced-apart, longitudinally-extending groovesdefined therein.

An end effector assembly of an ultrasonic surgical instrument providedin accordance with aspects of the present disclosure includes anultrasonic blade defining a tissue-contacting surface and a jaw memberpivotable relative to the ultrasonic blade between an open position anda clamping position. The jaw member includes a structural body includinga pair of proximal flanges and an elongated distal portion extendingdistally from the pair of proximal flanges. The elongated distal portionincludes first and second spaced-apart side rails defining an elongatedopening therebetween and interconnected at distal ends thereof via adistal cap. The jaw member further includes a jaw liner engaged withinthe elongated opening. The jaw liner defines first and secondinwardly-angled tissue contacting surfaces configured to oppose thetissue-contacting surface of the ultrasonic blade in the clampingposition of the jaw member. The jaw liner defines a jaw liner compliancefeature extending longitudinally therealong between the inwardly-angledtissue-contacting surfaces to facilitate outward deflection of theinwardly-angled tissue-contacting surfaces relative to one another tothereby tension tissue clamped between the jaw member and the ultrasonicblade.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, the tissue-contacting surface ofthe ultrasonic blade includes first and second tissue-contacting surfaceportions having an apex disposed therebetween. In such aspects, thefirst and second inwardly-angled tissue contacting surfaces of the jawliner may be configured to oppose the first and second tissue-contactingsurface portions of the ultrasonic blade and the apex of the ultrasonicblade is configured to oppose the jaw liner compliance feature of thejaw liner in the clamping position of the jaw member. The jaw linercompliance feature may be an elongated channel.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the first and secondspaced-apart side rails define first and second structural bodycompliance features configured to facilitate outward deflection of thefirst and second spaced-apart side rails relative to one another, thuspermitting further outward deflection of the first and secondinwardly-angled tissue contacting surfaces of the jaw liner relative toone another.

In still another aspect of the present disclosure, the first and secondstructural body compliance features are cut-outs defined within thefirst and second spaced-apart side rails towards proximal ends thereof.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the distal cap of thestructural body defines a third structural body compliance featureconfigured to facilitate outward deflection of the first and secondspaced-apart side rails relative to one another, thus permitting furtheroutward deflection of the first and second inwardly-angled tissuecontacting surfaces of the jaw liner relative to one another.

In still yet another aspect of the present disclosure, each of theinwardly-angled tissue contacting surfaces of the jaw liner includes aplurality of transversely spaced-apart, longitudinally-extending groovesdefined therein.

An ultrasonic surgical instrument provided in accordance with aspects ofthe present disclosure includes a housing, an ultrasonic transducersupported by the housing, a movable handle pivotably coupled to thehousing, and an elongated assembly extending distally from the housing.The elongated assembly includes a support sleeve extending distally fromthe housing, a drive sleeve operably coupled to the movable handlewithin the housing and extending distally from the housing and slidablerelative to the support sleeve, an ultrasonic waveguide operably coupledto the ultrasonic transducer within the housing and extending distallyfrom the housing through the support and drive sleeves, and an endeffector assembly disposed at a distal end of the support sleeve. Theend effector assembly includes an ultrasonic blade extending distallyfrom the ultrasonic waveguide and a jaw member pivotable relative to theultrasonic blade between an open position and a clamping position. Thejaw member includes structural body including a pair of proximal flangespivotably coupling the structural body to the support sleeve andoperably coupling the structural body to the drive sleeve. Thestructural body further includes an elongated distal portion extendingdistally from the pair of proximal flanges. The jaw member furtherincludes a jaw liner engaged with the elongated distal portion of thestructural body. The jaw liner defines first and second inwardly-angledtissue contacting surfaces configured to oppose the ultrasonic blade inthe clamping position of the jaw member. The jaw liner defines a jawliner compliance feature disposed between the inwardly-angledtissue-contacting surfaces to facilitate outward deflection of theinwardly-angled tissue-contacting surfaces relative to one another tothereby tension tissue clamped between the jaw member and the ultrasonicblade.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, the ultrasonic blade defines atissue-contacting surface including first and second tissue-contactingsurface portions having an apex disposed therebetween. The first andsecond inwardly-angled tissue contacting surfaces of the jaw liner areconfigured to oppose the first and second tissue-contacting surfaceportions of the ultrasonic blade and the apex is configured to opposethe jaw liner compliance feature in the clamping position of the jawmember.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the jaw liner compliancefeature is an elongated channel extending longitudinally along the jawliner between the first and second inwardly-angled tissue contactingsurfaces thereof.

In still another aspect of the present disclosure, the elongated distalportion of the structural body defines first and second spaced-apartside rails defining an elongated opening therebetween and interconnectedtowards distal ends thereof via a distal cap. The jaw liner isconfigured for receipt within the elongated opening.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the first spaced-apartrails and/or the distal cap defines a structural body compliance featureconfigured to facilitate outward deflection of the first and secondspaced-apart side rails relative to one another, thus permitting furtheroutward deflection of the first and second inwardly-angled tissuecontacting surfaces of the jaw liner relative to one another.

In still yet another aspect of the present disclosure, each of theinwardly-angled tissue contacting surfaces of the jaw liner includes aplurality of transversely spaced-apart, longitudinally-extending groovesdefined therein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects and features of the present disclosure willbecome more apparent in view of the following detailed description whentaken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein likereference numerals identify similar or identical elements.

FIG. 1 is a front, perspective view of an ultrasonic surgical instrumentprovided in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged front, perspective view of the area of detailindicated as “2” in FIG. 1 illustrating an end effector assembly of theultrasonic surgical instrument with a jaw member of the end effectorassembly disposed in an open position;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged, rear, perspective view of a distal portion of theultrasonic surgical instrument of FIG. 1 with the jaw member disposed inthe open position;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged, front, perspective view of the distal portion ofthe ultrasonic surgical instrument of FIG. 1 with the jaw memberdisposed in a clamping position;

FIG. 5 is a transverse, cross-sectional view taken along section line“5-5” of FIG. 4 ;

FIG. 6 is a front, bottom, perspective view of the jaw member of the endeffector assembly of the ultrasonic surgical instrument of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 7 is a side, bottom, perspective view of the jaw member of the endeffector assembly of the ultrasonic surgical instrument of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 8 is a top, first side, perspective view of the jaw member of theend effector assembly of the ultrasonic surgical instrument of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 9 is a top, second side, perspective view of the jaw member of theend effector assembly of the ultrasonic surgical instrument of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 10 is a front, bottom, perspective view of another jaw memberconfigured for use with the ultrasonic surgical instrument of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 11 is a side, bottom, perspective view of the jaw member of FIG. 10; and

FIG. 12 is a transverse, cross-sectional view of the jaw member of FIG.10 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring generally to FIG. 1 , an ultrasonic surgical instrumentprovided in accordance with the aspects and features of the presentdisclosure is shown generally identified by reference numeral 10.Although detailed with respect to ultrasonic surgical instrument 10, theaspects and features of the present disclosure are equally applicablefor use with any suitable ultrasonic surgical instrument. Thus,ultrasonic surgical instrument 10 is generally described hereinbelow.

Ultrasonic surgical instrument 10 generally includes a handle assembly100 and an elongated assembly 200 extending distally from handleassembly 100. Handle assembly 100 includes a housing 110 defining a bodyportion 112 configured to support an ultrasonic transducer and generatorassembly (“TAG”) 300, and a fixed handle portion 114 defining aninternal compartment configured to receive a battery assembly (notshown). Handle assembly 100 further includes an activation button 120operably positioned to electrically couple between TAG 300 and thebattery assembly when TAG 300 is mounted on body portion 112 of housing110 and the battery assembly is engaged within the internal compartmentof fixed handle portion 114 of housing 110. A clamp trigger 130 extendsfrom housing 110 of handle assembly 100 adjacent fixed handle portion114 of housing 110. Clamp trigger 130 extends into body portion 112 ofhousing 110 and is selectively movable relative to housing 110 toactuate ultrasonic surgical instrument 10.

TAG 300 and the battery assembly, as noted above, are each removablefrom handle assembly 100 to facilitate disposal of handle assembly 100after a single use or to enable sterilization of handle assembly 100 forsubsequent use. TAG 300 may be configured to withstand sterilizationsuch that TAG 300 may be sterilized for repeated use. The batteryassembly, on the other hand, is configured to be aseptically transferredand retained within the internal compartment of fixed handle portion 114of housing 110 of handle assembly 100 such that the battery assembly maybe repeatedly used without requiring sterilization thereof. A lockingdoor 116 provides selective access to the internal compartment of fixedhandle portion 114 to enable the insertion and removal of the batteryassembly from fixed handle portion 114 of housing 110 and retains thebattery assembly within the internal compartment when disposed in thelocked condition.

Activation button 120, TAG 300, and the battery assembly are electricalcoupled to one another upon engagement of TAG 300 with body portion 112of housing 110 of handle assembly 100 and engagement of the batteryassembly within the internal compartment of fixed handle portion 114 ofhousing 110. As such, in use, when activation button 120 is activated inan appropriate manner, an underlying two-mode switch assembly (notshown) is activated to supply power from the battery assembly to TAG 300in either a “LOW” power mode or a “HIGH” power mode, depending upon themanner of activation of activation button 120.

TAG 300 includes a generator and an ultrasonic transducer. Theultrasonic transducer converts a high voltage AC signal received fromthe generator into mechanical motion that is output to elongatedassembly 200, as detailed below.

With additional reference to FIGS. 2-4 , elongated assembly 200 includesan outer drive sleeve 210, an inner support sleeve 220 disposed withinouter drive sleeve 210 and about which outer drive sleeve 210 isconfigured to slide, a waveguide 230 extending through inner supportsleeve 220, a rotation knob 260 operably coupled about proximal portionsof outer and inner sleeves 210, 220, respectively, and an end effectorassembly 270 disposed at the distal end of inner support sleeve 220.Elongated assembly 200 is configured such that mechanical motion outputfrom the ultrasonic transducer of TAG 300 is transmitted along waveguide230 to end effector assembly 270 for treating tissue therewith, suchthat clamp trigger 130 is selectively actuatable to manipulate endeffector assembly 270, and such that rotation knob 260 is selectivelyrotatable to rotate elongated assembly 200 relative to handle assembly100. Elongated assembly 200 may be configured as a disposable,single-use component or a reusable component that is sterilizable forsubsequent use and may be releasably engagable with handle assembly 100or permanently affixed thereto.

Outer drive sleeve 210 is operably coupled to clamp trigger 130 withinhandle assembly 100 at a proximal end portion of outer drive sleeve 210and is operably coupled with jaw member 272 of end effector assembly 270at a distal end portion of outer drive sleeve 210, e.g., via receipt ofcam feet 277 a of proximal flanges 276 of structural body 274 of jawmember 272 within apertures 212 defined within outer drive sleeve 210.Inner support sleeve 220 pivotably supports jaw member 272 at a distalend thereof, e.g., via receipt of pivot bosses 277 b of proximal flanges276 of structural body 274 of jaw member 272 within correspondingapertures (not shown) defined within inner support sleeve 220. As aresult of this configuration, actuation of clamp trigger 130 translatesouter drive sleeve 210 about inner support sleeve 220 and urges jawmember 272 to pivot relative to inner support sleeve 220 and blade 234of waveguide 230 between an open position (FIG. 2 ) and a clampingposition (FIG. 4 ) for clamping tissue between jaw member 272 and blade234 of waveguide 230.

Waveguide 230 defines a body (not shown) and a blade 234 extending fromthe distal end of the body. The body of waveguide 230 is operablycoupled to the ultrasonic transducer of TAG 300 within handle assembly100 and extends distally from handle assembly 100 through inner supportsleeve 220. Blade 234 extends from the body of waveguide 230 anddistally from inner support sleeve 220 and forms part of end effector270 in that blade 234 is positioned to oppose jaw member 272 such thatpivoting of jaw member 272 from the open position (FIG. 2 ) to theclamping position (FIG. 4 ) enables clamping of tissue between jawmember 272 and blade 234. Blade 234 defines a curved configurationwherein the directions of movement of jaw member 272 between the openand clamping positions (FIGS. 2 and 4 , respectively) are perpendicularto the direction of curvature of blade 234. However, it is alsocontemplated that blade 234 define a straight configuration or thatblade 234 curve towards or away from jaw member 272, that is, where thedirections of movement of jaw member 272 between the open and clampingpositions (FIGS. 2 and 4 , respectively) are coaxial or parallel to thedirection of curvature of blade 234.

In embodiments, blade 234 defines a generally convex opposing surface236, e.g., the surface that opposes jaw member 272. Generally convexopposing surface 236 may defined by a pair of surfaces 238 (flat orarcuate surfaces) that converge at an apex 239, or may be formed by asingle arcuate surface defining an apex 239.

With reference to FIGS. 5-9 , jaw member 272 includes a more-rigidstructural body 274 and a more-compliant jaw liner 290. Structural body274, as noted above, includes a pair of proximal flanges 276 eachincluding a pivot boss 277 b extending outwardly therefrom to, as notedabove, enable pivotable coupling of jaw member 272 with inner supportsleeve 220 (FIG. 2 ), and a cam foot 277 a extending downwardlytherefrom to, as noted above, enabling operable coupling of jaw member272 with outer drive sleeve 210 (FIG. 2 ). In embodiments, a proximalbridge 277 c extends between and interconnects proximal flanges 276 toprovide increased structural support thereto. Structural body 274 may beformed from a relatively high-strength, more-rigid material to providestructural support such as, for example, stainless steel, or any othersuitable material, and may be monolithically formed via machining,stamping, metal injection molding, or may be formed in any othersuitable manner via any other suitable process.

Structural body 274 of jaw member 272 further includes an elongateddistal portion 278 extending distally from the pair of proximal flanges276. Elongated distal portion 278 defines a curved configuration similarto blade 234, e.g., wherein the directions of movement of jaw member 272between the open and clamping positions are perpendicular to thedirection of curvature of elongated distal portion 278. However, it isalso contemplated that elongated distal portion 278 define a straightconfiguration or that elongated distal portion 278 curve towards or awayfrom blade 234, that is, where the directions of movement of jaw member272 between the open and clamping positions are coaxial or parallel tothe direction of curvature of elongated distal portion 278.

Continuing with reference to FIGS. 5-9 , elongated distal portion 278 ofstructural body 274, more specifically, includes a pair of spaced-apartside rails 280 each extending distally from one of the proximal flanges276. A transverse distal cap 282 extends transversely between andinterconnects the side rails 280 with one another at the distal endsthereof. As a result of the above-detailed configuration, structuralbody 274 defines an elongated central opening 284 extending between siderails 280 between proximal flanges 276 and transverse distal cap 282.Transverse distal cap 282 encloses the distal end of elongated centralopening 284 while the proximal end of elongated central opening 284 isopen as are the top and bottom of elongated central opening 284. Siderails 280 define longitudinally-extending slots 281 (FIG. 5 ) facinginwardly towards elongated central opening 284 along opposing sidesthereof.

Referring in particular to FIG. 9 , structural body 274 of jaw member272, in embodiments, defines proximal compliance features 286 at theproximal ends of rails 280 adjacent proximal flanges 276. Proximalcompliance features 286 may be formed, for example, via cut-outs formedwithin the proximal ends of rails 280 such that areas of reducedmaterial thickness and structural support are formed, thus definingliving hinges that allow for increased outward deflection of portions ofrails 280 relative to proximal flanges 276 and one another.

Structural body 274 of jaw member 272, in embodiments, additionally oralternatively defines a distal compliance feature 288 within transversedistal cap 282, e.g., at a midpoint between rails 280. Distal compliancefeature 288 may be formed, for example, via a cut-out formed withintransverse distal cap 282 such that an area of reduced materialthickness and structural support is formed, thus defining living a hingethat allows for increased deflection of the portions of transversedistal cap 282 disposed on either side of distal compliance feature 288to, in turn, enable increased deflection of portions of rails 280relative to one another and transverse distal cap 282. Other suitablefeatures, e.g., ribs, cut-outs, etc., to facilitate compliance ofstructural body 274 are also contemplated.

Turning to FIGS. 5-8 , jaw liner 290 may be fabricated from a compliantmaterial such as, for example, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), such thatblade 234 (FIGS. 2-5 ) is permitted to vibrate while in contact with jawliner 290 without damaging components of ultrasonic surgical instrument10 (FIG. 1 ), e.g., structural body 274 of jaw member 272, and withoutcompromising the hold on tissue clamped between jaw member 272 and blade234 (FIGS. 2-5 ). Other suitable materials are also contemplated. Jawliner 290 may be monolithically or otherwise formed. More specifically,jaw liner 290 may, in embodiments, be formed via injection molding ineither a single-shot or multi-shot molding process. A multi-shot moldingprocess enables different materials to be utilized, e.g., a firstmaterial used to form base 291 and a second material used to form arms292. Different materials for jaw liner 290 may be used, for example, tofacilitate tissue tensioning, as detailed below.

Jaw liner 290 defines a generally Y-shaped configuration including abase 291 and first and second arms 292 extending from base 291 and apartfrom one another at an angle relative to base 291. As such, arms 292define inner, inwardly-angled surfaces 293, which may be arcuate orflat. In embodiments, arms 292 are configured such that inner,inwardly-angled surfaces 293 are complementary with respective opposingsurfaces 238 of blade 234 (see FIG. 5 ).

Arms 292 further define bottom, outwardly-angled surfaces 294 (which maybe concave or flat) extending outwardly from inner, inwardly-angledsurfaces 293 such that inner and bottom surfaces 293, 294 cooperate todefine a W-shaped transverse, cross-sectional exposed surface outline ofjaw liner 290 (see FIG. 5 ). A compliance feature 295 in the form of alongitudinally-extending channel is defined within jaw liner 290 betweenthe inner, inwardly-angled surfaces 293. More specifically, rather thanthe inner, inwardly-angled surfaces 293 extending to meet one another,compliance feature 295 is defined therebetween to allow for increaseddeflection of first and second arms 292 of jaw liner 290 relative to oneanother, thereby increasing tension on tissue clamped between blade 234and jaw member 272 (see FIG. 5 ), as detailed below. In embodiments,compliance features 295 is generally aligned with apex 239 of blade 234in the clamping position of jaw member 272 (see FIG. 5 ).

Referring to FIG. 5 , jaw liner 290 further includes outer, backsurfaces 296 defining the outer sides of base 291 and arms 292. Outer,back surfaces 296 are configured to mate with the inner and bottomsurfaces of side rails 280 of elongated distal portion 278 of structuralbody 274 of jaw member 272 upon insertion of jaw liner 290 intoelongated central opening 284 of elongated distal portion 278 ofstructural body 274. Base 291 of jaw liner 290 further includeslongitudinally-extending slots 297 defined within the outer, backsurfaces 296 thereof that are configured to align with slots 281 of siderails 280 upon insertion of jaw liner 290 into elongated central opening284. With slots 281, 297 aligned with one another, a retention clip 298is engaged within slots 281, 297, e.g., via sliding of retention clip298 into slots 281, 297 in a proximal-to-distal direction, therebyretaining jaw liner 290 in engagement with structural body 274. Otherconfigurations for retaining jaw liner 290 in engagement with structuralbody 274 are also contemplated such as, for example, a snap-fitengagement, overmolding jaw liner 290 onto structural body 274, padprinting jaw liner 290 onto structural body 274, etc.

With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 , in embodiments, inner, inwardly-angledsurfaces 293 each define a plurality of transversely-spaced,longitudinally-extending grooves 299 a. Grooves 299 a, as detailedbelow, facilitate tensioning of tissue clamped between jaw member 272and blade 234 (see FIG. 5 ). Additionally or alternatively, bottom,outwardly-angled surfaces 294 define longitudinally-spaced,transversely-extending grooves 299 b configured to facilitate graspingof tissue and inhibiting slippage of tissue clamped between jaw member272 and blade 234 (see FIG. 5 ).

Referring generally to FIGS. 1-9 , in use, ultrasonic instrument 10 isadvanced into a surgical site and manipulated such that end effector 270is positioned with tissue to be treated disposed between jaw member 272and blade 234 with jaw member 272 disposed in the open position (FIGS.1-3 ). Thereafter, clamp trigger 130 is squeezed towards fixed handleportion 114 of housing 110 from an un-actuated position to an actuatedposition to translate outer drive sleeve 210 about inner support sleeve220 and relative to end effector assembly 270, thereby pivoting jawmember 272 relative to blade 234 from the open position towards theclamped position (FIGS. 4 and 5 ) to clamp tissue between jaw member 272and blade 234 and, more specifically, between inner, inwardly-facingsurfaces 293 of jaw liner 290 of jaw member 272 and opposing surface 236of blade 234. Bottom, outwardly-facing surfaces 294 (and, morespecifically, grooves 299 b thereof) of jaw liner 290 facilitategrasping of tissue and inhibiting slippage of tissue on either side ofblade 234.

Referring to FIG. 5 , as jaw member 272 is urged towards the clampedposition to apply a clamping force to tissue, blade 234 and tissueprovide an opposing force resisting clamping of jaw member 272. As aresult of this opposing force, jaw liner 290 is compressed due to thecompliant nature thereof and first and second arms 292 of jaw liner 290are deflected outwardly apart from one another at compliance feature 295and, in embodiments where provided, facilitated via the outwarddeflection of side rails 280 of elongated distal portion 278 ofstructural body 274 (enabled via the living hinges formed at compliancefeatures 286, 288), such that tissue is tensioned across apex 239 ofblade 234. Grooves 299 a, as noted above, facilitate tensioning oftissue across apex 239 of blade 234 by holding tissue in positionrelative to arms 292 such that tissue is pulled and tensioned upon theoutward deflection of arms 292.

With tissue clamped in the manner detailed above, a first portion oftissue is grasped between the inwardly-facing surface 293 of the firstarm 292 of jaw liner 290 and the opposing surface 238 of blade 234, asecond portion of tissue is grasped between the inwardly-facing surface293 of the second arm 292 of jaw liner 290 and the opposing surface 238of blade 234, and the interconnecting portion of tissue extendingbetween the first and second portions extends across apex 239 of bladeand compliance features 295 of jaw liner 290 under increased tension.

Referring also to FIG. 1 , with tissue clamped as detailed above, blade234 may be activated, e.g., via depression of activation button 120, tosupply ultrasonic energy from TAG 300, along the waveguide, to blade234. The ultrasonic energy provided at blade 234 is used to heat and,ultimately, seal the first and second portions of tissue. Further,facilitated by the increased tension of the interconnecting portion oftissue, the ultrasonic energy applied to the interconnecting portion oftissue cuts the interconnecting potion of tissue, thereby separating thesealed first and second portions of tissue from one another.

Turning to FIGS. 10-12 , another embodiment of a jaw member 1272 isshown configured for use with ultrasonic instrument 10 (FIG. 1 ) or anyother suitable ultrasonic instrument. Jaw member 1272 is similar to jawmember 272 (FIGS. 5-9 ), except with respect to the configuration of jawliner 1290 thereof. Thus, only differences between jaw liner 1290 andjaw liner 290 (FIGS. 5-9 ) are described in detail hereinbelow whilesimilarities are omitted or summarily described.

Jaw member 1272 includes a more-rigid structural body 1274, amore-compliant jaw liner 1290, and a retention clip 1298 (FIG. 12 )configured to retain jaw liner 1290 in engagement with structural body1274. Jaw liner 1290 defines a generally Y-shaped configurationincluding a base 1291 and first and second arms 1292 extending from base1291 and apart from one another. Arms 1292 define inner, inwardly-angledsurfaces 1293 that are concave and generally smooth. That is, inner,inwardly-angled surfaces 1293 are smooth as compared to inner,inwardly-angled surfaces 293 which include grooves 299 a (see FIG. 5 ).Concave surfaces 1293 are complementary to the convex opposing surface238 of blade 234. Jaw liner 1290 is otherwise similar and may includeany of the features of jaw liner 290 (FIGS. 5-9 ) detailed above.

While several embodiments of the disclosure have been shown in thedrawings, it is not intended that the disclosure be limited thereto, asit is intended that the disclosure be as broad in scope as the art willallow and that the specification be read likewise. Therefore, the abovedescription should not be construed as limiting, but merely asexemplifications of particular embodiments. Those skilled in the artwill envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of theclaims appended hereto.

What is claimed is:
 1. An end effector assembly of an ultrasonicsurgical instrument, the end effector assembly comprising: an ultrasonicblade defining a tissue-contacting surface; and a jaw member pivotablerelative to the ultrasonic blade between an open position and a clampingposition, the jaw member including: a structural body including a pairof proximal flanges and an elongated distal portion extending distallyfrom the pair of proximal flanges, the elongated distal portionincluding first and second spaced-apart side rails defining an elongatedopening therebetween and interconnected at distal ends thereof via adistal cap; and a jaw liner engaged within the elongated opening, thejaw liner defining first and second inwardly-angled tissue contactingsurfaces and a jaw liner compliance feature, the first and secondinwardly-angled tissue contacting surfaces defining a volumetherebetween and configured to oppose the tissue-contacting surface ofthe ultrasonic blade in the clamping position of the jaw member, whereinthe jaw liner compliance feature includes an elongated channel definedwithin the jaw liner in at least an outwardly-flexed condition of thejaw liner, the elongated channel extending longitudinally along the jawliner and recessed relative to an entirety of the volume defined betweenthe first and second inwardly-angled tissue contacting surfaces with thefirst and second inwardly-angled tissue contacting surfaces disposed onopposing sides of the elongated channel, the jaw liner compliancefeature configured to facilitate outward deflection of theinwardly-angled tissue-contacting surfaces relative to one another froman at-rest condition of the jaw liner to the outwardly-flexed conditionof the jaw liner to thereby tension tissue clamped between the jawmember and the ultrasonic blade.
 2. The end effector assembly accordingto claim 1, wherein the tissue-contacting surface of the ultrasonicblade includes first and second tissue-contacting surface portionshaving an apex disposed therebetween, the first and secondinwardly-angled tissue contacting surfaces of the jaw liner configuredto oppose the first and second tissue-contacting surface portions of theultrasonic blade and the apex configured to oppose the jaw linercompliance feature in the clamping position of the jaw member.
 3. Theend effector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first and secondspaced-apart side rails define first and second structural bodycompliance features configured to facilitate outward deflection of thefirst and second spaced-apart side rails relative to one another, thuspermitting further outward deflection of the first and secondinwardly-angled tissue contacting surfaces of the jaw liner relative toone another.
 4. The end effector assembly according to claim 3, whereinthe first and second structural body compliance features are cut-outsdefined within the first and second spaced-apart side rails towardsproximal ends thereof.
 5. The end effector assembly according to claim1, wherein the distal cap of the structural body defines a thirdstructural body compliance feature configured to facilitate outwarddeflection of the first and second spaced-apart side rails relative toone another, thus permitting further outward deflection of the first andsecond inwardly-angled tissue contacting surfaces of the jaw linerrelative to one another.
 6. The end effector assembly according to claim1, wherein each of the inwardly-angled tissue contacting surfaces of thejaw liner includes a plurality of transversely spaced-apart,longitudinally-extending grooves defined therein.
 7. The end effectorassembly according to claim 1, wherein the jaw liner is formed from acompliant material.
 8. The end effector assembly according to claim 7,wherein the compliant material is PTFE.
 9. The end effector assemblyaccording to claim 1, wherein the elongated channel is defined withinthe jaw liner in each of the at-rest condition and the outwardly-flexedcondition of the jaw liner.
 10. An ultrasonic surgical instrument,comprising: the end effector assembly according to claim 1; anultrasonic transducer; and an ultrasonic waveguide operably coupling theultrasonic transducer with the ultrasonic blade of the end effectorassembly.
 11. The ultrasonic surgical instrument according to claim 10,further comprising an ultrasonic generator configured to drive theultrasonic transducer.
 12. An end effector assembly of an ultrasonicsurgical instrument, the end effector assembly comprising: an ultrasonicblade including a tissue-contacting surface defined by a pair ofsurfaces that converge at an apex; and a jaw member pivotable relativeto the ultrasonic blade between an open position and a clampingposition, the jaw member including: a structural body defining anelongated opening and including at least one living hinge defined in thestructural body; and a jaw liner engaged within the elongated opening,the jaw liner defining a jaw liner compliance feature including alongitudinally-extending channel in at least an outwardly-flexedcondition of the jaw liner, the jaw liner compliance feature recessedinto the jaw liner and configured for positioning in substantialalignment with the apex in the clamping position of the jaw member, thejaw liner compliance feature and the at least one living hingeconfigured to facilitate outward deflection of opposing portions of thejaw liner on either side of the longitudinally-extending channel totransition the jaw liner from an at-rest condition to theoutwardly-flexed condition to tension tissue clamped between the jawmember and the ultrasonic blade.
 13. The end effector assembly accordingto claim 12, wherein the structural body includes a pair of proximalflanges configured to facilitate pivoting of the jaw member relative tothe ultrasonic blade.
 14. The end effector assembly according to claim12, wherein the structural body includes an elongated distal portionincluding first and second spaced-apart side rails defining theelongated opening therebetween.
 15. The end effector assembly accordingto claim 12, wherein the structural body is formed from a material thatis more-rigid and wherein the jaw liner is formed from a material thatis more-compliant.
 16. The end effector assembly according to claim 15,wherein the structural body is formed from stainless steel and the jawliner is formed from PTFE.
 17. The end effector assembly according toclaim 12, wherein the opposing portions of the jaw liner on either sideof the longitudinally-extending channel include first and secondinwardly-angled tissue contacting surfaces configured to oppose the pairof surfaces of the tissue-contacting surface of the ultrasonic blade inthe clamping position of the jaw member.
 18. The end effector assemblyaccording to claim 12, wherein the at least one living hinge includesfirst and second living hinges on opposing sides of the structural body.19. The end effector assembly according to claim 12, wherein the atleast one living hinge includes a living hinge at a distal end portionof the structural body.
 20. The end effector assembly according to claim12, wherein a tissue-contacting surface of the jaw liner defines aplurality of transversely spaced-apart, longitudinally-extending groovesdefined therein.
 21. The end effector assembly according to claim 12,wherein the elongated channel is defined within the jaw liner in each ofthe at-rest condition and the outwardly-flexed condition of the jawliner.
 22. An ultrasonic surgical instrument, comprising: the endeffector assembly according to claim 12; an ultrasonic transducer; andan ultrasonic waveguide operably coupling the ultrasonic transducer withthe ultrasonic blade of the end effector assembly.
 23. The ultrasonicsurgical instrument according to claim 22, further comprising anultrasonic generator configured to drive the ultrasonic transducer.